Release Date: February 22, 2011
Author Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Night Shade Books
Genre: Fantasy | Science Fiction
Length: 300 Pages
Series: Books of Raksura
Format: eBook
Purchase: Amazon
Moon has spent his life hiding what he is – a shape-shifter able to transform himself into a winged creature of flight. An orphan with only vague memories of his own kind, Moon tries to fit in among the tribes of his river valley, with mixed success. Just as Moon is once again cast out by his adopted tribe, he discovers a shape-shifter like himself… someone who seems to know exactly what he is, who promises that Moon will be welcomed into his community. What this stranger doesn’t tell Moon is that his presence will tip the balance of power… that his extraordinary lineage is crucial to the colony’s survival… and that his people face extinction at the hands of the dreaded Fell! Now Moon must overcome a lifetime of conditioning in order to save and himself… and his newfound kin.
First thought that comes to mind is wow. I liked this book so much that I read it twice. Yes, back to back. This book is a lovely mixture of fantasy and science fiction, but without the over the top ambitions to be next Lord of the Rings. And honestly, the summary is crap compared to the real gem that the story truly is.
The protagonist is the stereotypical handsome rogue, but he is just so lovable. There were several moments when I just wanted to pet Moon on the head and sympathize with his poor nerves. I really felt for Moon and enjoyed the emotional tumult that he waded through in this book. That being said, I was sad that the secondary characters weren’t quit as well developed as Moon. I did like Jade, Stone, and Chime, but there were a few others I really wanted to appreciate, but couldn’t, like Pearl and Flower.
Wells also did a wonderful job creating a singularly unique world. Not only was the setting of the Three Worlds creative, but so were its inhabitants. The best part, in my opinion, was that there were no humans at all. Plenty of humanoid species, but no humans. I don’t know about you, but I don’t know many authors who can pull off an entire novel, let alone the start a of series, without a single human.
The culture of the Raksura vaguely reminded me of the Blood in the Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop. Even the tone, witty/sarcastic humor, and overall flavor of Wells’ book resembled that of Bishop, which I love.
Overall Rating: 4 of 5
Recommendations: Buy It
Hurrah! I have successfully fallen behind on my goals. I guess I should be mourning rather than celebrating, but I don’t really feel like I’ve failed, at least not yet. I partly blame my recent procrastination due to the resounding pain from all four corners of my mouth. Why? Well, because I was dumb enough to get all four wisdom teeth extracted at once. Yes, I am a genius, thank you.
Release Date: February 5, 2011
